Renowned Indian author Khushwant Singh had an illustrious education history spanning distinguished institutions both in India and abroad.
Quick Facts About Khushwant Singh’s Education:
- Attended Government College, Lahore for BA degree
- Studied law at King’s College, Cambridge University
- Called to bar at London’s Inner Temple
- Worked as lawyer in Lahore High Court for 8 years
Who is Khushwant Singh?
Khushwant Singh (born February 2, 1915) was an acclaimed Indian novelist, journalist, politician and lawyer. Born in Hadali, Punjab Province, British India (now in Punjab, Pakistan), Singh had a long and prolific career as a writer, writing dozens of novels, short stories and non-fiction books. Some of his best known literary works include Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale, Delhi, The Company of Women and his magnum opus, A History of the Sikhs.
Singh was also an acclaimed journalist and edited prominent publications like The Illustrated Weekly of India and Hindustan Times. He served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986. Singh received honors like the Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship for his literary contributions.
Where Did Khushwant Singh Go To College?
Education at Government College, Lahore
Khushwant Singh’s college education began at the prestigious Government College, Lahore in the early 1930s. Founded in 1864, Government College Lahore is one of the oldest and most renowned educational institutions in the Indian subcontinent.
Singh studied at Government College Lahore from 1933 to 1938 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. At the Government College, Singh studied English Literature and excelled in extracurricular activities like debate, tennis and acting in college plays. The years at Government College Lahore played a formative role in Singh’s personality and worldview.
Many other luminaries like the writer Saadat Hasan Manto, revolutionary Bhagat Singh and the painter Amrita Sher-Gil were also alumni of Government College Lahore during the same period.
Legal Education at Cambridge and Inner Temple, London
After finishing his BA, Khushwant Singh went to King’s College, Cambridge University in 1938 for his higher education. He studied Law at Cambridge and graduated with honors in 1940.
Subsequently, he enrolled at London’s prestigious Inner Temple, one of the Inns of Court entitled to call members to the bar as barristers. Singh was called to the bar as a barrister from Inner Temple in 1947.
The legal education at Cambridge and Inner Temple helped prepare Singh for a career in law and he worked as a lawyer and advocate at the Lahore High Court for eight years after returning to India.
Singh’s Distinguished Career After College Education
Eight Year Stint as Lawyer at Lahore High Court
After being called to the bar in 1947, Khushwant Singh started his professional career as a lawyer at the Lahore High Court in British India. During the 1947 partition, he moved to Delhi as Lahore became part of the newly formed Pakistan.
As a lawyer, Singh gained first-hand insights into the legal system and witnessing injustice influenced his writing in later years. He worked at the Lahore High Court until 1955.
Transition to Journalism With All India Radio
In 1951, four years after the Independence, Khushwant Singh joined the national broadcaster All India Radio as a journalist. He worked there for ten years, honing his skills in political commentary and reporting.
Singh covered important political events like the 1952 General Elections, a crucial election after India’s independence. During this time, he also served on Government of India delegations visiting countries like China, Japan, and the USA.
Editorship of Yojana and The Illustrated Weekly
After leaving All India Radio, Singh served as the editor of the Indian government’s journal Yojana from 1961 to 1963.
In 1969, he was appointed as editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, a prominent weekly magazine published by The Times Group. Under Singh’s editorship, the magazine became hugely popular for its coverage of politics and the arts.
Singh worked as editor until 1979 and many credit him for revolutionizing the Indian press with his bold, anti-establishment writing.
Member of Parliament and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Khushwant Singh entered formal politics when he was nominated as Member of Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986. As MP, he advocated for causes like the welfare of minorities and separation of religion and politics.
In 1974, Singh was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor conferred by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters.
He continued writing novels and non-fiction books well into the 1990s and 2000s, cementing his legacy as one of India’s most prominent writers. Singh passed away in 2014 at age 99 in Delhi.
Follow Khushwant Singh on Social Media:
- Facebook page – @khushwantsinghauthor
- Official website – www.khushwantsingh.com
- YouTube channel – Khushwant Singh – Official
Frequently Asked Questions About Khushwant Singh’s Education
Where did Khushwant Singh complete his school education?
Khushwant Singh completed his early schooling at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and the Government College, Lahore.
What did Khushwant Singh study at Cambridge University?
At Cambridge University, Khushwant Singh studied Law and graduated with honors in 1940.
When did Khushwant Singh join All India Radio as a journalist?
Khushwant Singh joined All India Radio in 1951 and worked there as a political journalist and commentator for around 10 years.
How long did Khushwant Singh work as a lawyer after being called to the bar?
After being called to the bar from London’s Inner Temple in 1947, Khushwant Singh worked as a lawyer at the Lahore High Court for 8 years until 1955.
What honor did Khushwant Singh receive from the Sahitya Akademi in 1974?
In 1974, Khushwant Singh was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor conferred by India’s National Academy of Letters.